Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Make Shepherd’s Pie Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Mashed Potato Topping
Meat & Vegetable Filling
Finishing
Method
Mashed Potato Topping
- 1
- 2
- 3
Mash potatoes
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the still-warm pot. Add the warmed milk and butter, cream cheese (if using), and the 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mash with a potato masher or beat with a hand mixer until smooth but still slightly textured. Stir in the optional egg yolk if using — this adds richness and helps with browning. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 4
Meat & Vegetable Filling
- 5
Preheat and sweat aromatics
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large ovenproof skillet or heavy sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown at the edges, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- 6
Brown the meat
Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground lamb. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink and nicely browned in spots, about 6–7 minutes. Spoon off and discard excess fat if there is a large amount, leaving enough to coat the pan.
- 7
Build the sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the meat and vegetables and stir to combine; cook 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef or lamb stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- 8
Finish filling
Stir in the frozen peas and optional corn and cook 1–2 minutes to heat through. Taste and season with the 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, adjusting as needed. Remove from heat.
Assembly & Bake
- 9
Assemble shepherd's pie
If your filling was prepared in a skillet that’s ovenproof, spread it into an even layer. If not, transfer the filling to a 9x9-inch (or similar) baking dish. Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create ridges or peaks across the surface to help browning.
- 10
Bake
Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges, about 20–25 minutes. For extra browning, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching very carefully so it doesn't burn.
- 11
Rest and garnish
Remove from the oven and let rest 5–10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.